Dec 03 2008
Thailand’s Government Dissolved, Airport Occupation Ends
A week-long occupation of Thailand’s international airport has culminated in the dissolving of the governing party and banning of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat. Thailand’s constitutional court declared the government guilty of election fraud in last December’s elections. Thailand has been in a state of political siege for months, with thousands of anti-government protesters with PAD, the People’s Alliance for Democracy, occupying a government office compound and demanding the government resign. Despite the court’s ruling, the governing party plans to recreate itself with a new name, which will likely provide impetus for the protests to continue. As of this morning the airport occupation has ended, allowing hundreds of thousands of trapped tourists to leave. The Guardian newspaper in Britain summed up the political dynamics thus: “the business elite and the military backs PAD, but the government enjoys widespread support among the poor, particularly in the countryside.” The 80 year old Thai king, although a symbolic figurehead, is expected to use the universal respect he commands into resolving the on-going crisis.
GUEST: Kevin Hewison, Director of the Carolina Asia Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, has been researching and writing on Thailand for 30 years
To stay informed about the on-going political situation in Thailand, Kevin Hewison recommends the blog: bangkokpundit.blogspot.com.
2 Responses to “Thailand’s Government Dissolved, Airport Occupation Ends”
If these are all Mr. Hewison’s understanding of Thai politics, he should study it HARDER. It is very clear to Thais and, of course, every member of PAD, that Thaksin wants ABSOLUTE power. And, there is only one person in the entire country that stands in his way. You should be able to figure it out WHO?
I know that it is hard to find any English expert in Thai politics. But, please try harder anyway.
Thai in LA is correct – PAD know that the king supports them and their illegal actions against elected governments. Maybe Thai in LA should read the recent Economist on the forces behind the coup and recent events. To say that Professor Hewison is not correct or uninformed in his analysis is just plain wrong. This is a great interview. Thanks Uprising Radio.